Glacier Country (Franz Josef/Fox Glacier)

Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
25/08/2025
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Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand, Wikimedia Commons

Glacier Country offers a diverse experience where one can witness the majestic Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, explore lush rainforests, and encounter a variety of native wildlife.

Franz Josef village provides a more established environment with a selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars, alongside various accommodation options, including backpacker hostels, fostering opportunities for social interaction. While Fox Glacier village is smaller and quieter, it also offers accommodation and pubs for guests. Establishments like the Rainforest Retreat in Franz Josef feature communal areas such as bars with inviting fireplaces, creating spaces for travellers to gather.

Top 5 Things to do in Glacier Country (Franz Josef/Fox Glacier)

Visitors can engage in thrilling glacier explorations, serene lake walks, and encounters with rare wildlife within the lush rainforests.

1. Glacier Heli-Hike or Scenic Helicopter Flight (Franz Josef or Fox Glacier)

Experience the glaciers from an unparalleled perspective by taking a scenic helicopter flight, often including a snow landing or a guided heli-hike on the ice. Due to significant glacial retreat, accessing the ice directly from the valley floor is no longer safe or possible. A helicopter journey allows you to witness spectacular ice formations, crevasses, and potentially blue ice caves, providing breathtaking alpine views. Guides provide necessary equipment like crampons and lead you safely across the ever-changing glacial landscape. While Franz Josef offers a more established tour with distinct blue ice caves, Fox Glacier can feel less crowded, providing more unique ice formations and views of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. This activity is highly recommended for an immersive glacier experience.

Cost: Helicopter flights with snow landings typically start from approximately NZD 280-300 per person, while heli-hiking tours can range from NZD 485-500+ per person.

Transport: Tour operators for both Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier are located in their respective townships. Free shuttle services are usually provided from local accommodation to the heli-base, or the base is within walking distance of the town centers.

2. Glacier Valley Walk (Franz Josef or Fox Glacier)

Embark on a self-guided walk through ancient rainforests to a viewpoint of the glacier's terminal face. While the glaciers have receded significantly, making the ice itself distant from the valley floor, the journey through the lush, mossy green forest and alongside glacial rivers is a highlight in itself, often featuring numerous waterfalls. The Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk is an easy to moderate 1.7-kilometer return track taking about 30 minutes, while the Fox Glacier South Side Walkway is a 6.5-kilometer return walk that takes approximately 2 hours.

Cost: Free. Guided nature tours are available for a fee, offering in-depth insights into the geology, glaciology, history, and local flora and fauna.

Transport: Both glacier valley walks start from car parks located a short drive (approximately 5-10 minutes) from their respective townships. Taxis are available, or inquire about local shuttle services.

3. Lake Matheson Walk (near Fox Glacier)

Stroll around the iconic Lake Matheson, famous for its mirror-like reflections of New Zealand's highest peaks, Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, especially on a clear, calm day. The 1.5-hour loop walk through dense rainforest offers several viewpoints, with the best reflections often seen at dawn or dusk. A shorter 45-minute return walk to the jetty viewpoint is also an option.

Cost: Free. Guided tours focusing on the lake's ecology and reflections are also available.

Transport: Lake Matheson is located approximately 5 kilometers from Fox Glacier township along Cook Flat Road. Taxis can be arranged, or it's a pleasant cycle for those with bikes.

4. Glacier Hot Pools (Franz Josef)

Indulge in a relaxing experience at the Glacier Hot Pools, nestled within a tranquil rainforest environment. These naturally heated pools, ranging from 36 to 40 degrees Celsius, provide a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration.

Cost: General admission is approximately NZD 30.

Transport: The Glacier Hot Pools are located within Franz Josef township, making them easily accessible by foot from most accommodations.

5. West Coast Wildlife Centre (Franz Josef)

Visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre to observe New Zealand's rarest kiwi, the Rowi, in a controlled environment. The centre is dedicated to the conservation of this endangered species and offers an opportunity to learn about their breeding program and the local ecosystem.

Cost: Entry fees apply (specific recent cost not detailed in search results).

Transport: The West Coast Wildlife Centre is centrally located in Franz Josef township, easily reachable on foot.

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